Freelance Writing: Introduction
This course is part of the UBC Micro-certificate in Writing Skills for Digital Content.
Learn how to write articles and non-fiction stories that sell in the exciting world of freelance writing. Instructor Jennifer Van Evra brings decades of lived experience as a freelance writer and radio/podcast producer for celebrated outlets such as the Globe and Mail, CBC, Condé Nast, Vancouver Magazine, Harvard Business Review and many more, and shares proven strategies on how to get your work picked up in today’s constantly evolving media and writing landscape.
In this popular course, you will:
- Gain a step-by-step approach to developing ideas, researching effectively, conducting successful interviews, writing pitches and structuring articles and stories
- Tap into Jennifer’s extensive industry expertise to get tips on working with editors, marketing your writing and more
- Get invaluable behind-the-scenes insights on how to make it as a freelancer as well as what pitfalls to avoid
- Have your questions answered by a high-level guest editor
While the course materials prepare you to write articles for newspapers, magazines and websites, — from digital media to corporate blogs to interest-based sites — the skills students gain apply to all kinds of writing, including brand stories, newsletters, press releases, podcast scripts and more.
This fun, non-intimidating course is great for beginners and established writers alike. For hundreds of students, it has led to successful publication in major outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Globe and Mail, The Guardian, the South China Morning Post, Vancouver Magazine, the Toronto Star and many more. One student even turned a story he pitched in class into a #1 bestselling book in British Columbia.
Course Outline
Week 1: Good News & Bad News, Developing & Focusing Ideas
Week 2: Anatomy of Articles & Lead Paragraphs
Week 3: Story Structure & Queries
Week 4: Researching
Week 5: Interviewing
Week 6: The Editing Process
Week 7: Guest Editor & Editing Your Own Work, Common Mistakes
Week 8: Marketing + Business + Writing Resources + Review
How Am I Assessed?
This course is marked complete/incomplete, and is based on your attendance and participation. Your instructor provides you with personalized feedback on the assignments you hand in.
Expected Effort
Expect to spend 2-3 hours per week completing coursework, participating in the online forum, and attending the optional group video chat.
Technology Requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old and using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection.
For virtual office hours, you’ll also need:
- a video camera and microphone, or you can dial in by phone
One day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Textbooks
There are no textbooks for this course.
Course Format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported with weekly instructor office hours.?Course work is done independently and at your own pace within deadlines set by your instructor. Log in anytime to your course to access the lessons as they become available.
Weekly Office Hours
Wednesdays, 6–6:45pm Pacific Time
This course offers optional weekly drop-in virtual office hours. Join your instructor and classmates by video conference to discuss course materials and assignments, receive feedback and ask questions.?
Online materials will be available for?three?weeks after the course ends, after which time you will no longer be able to access the course.?